Edible Vaccines and Flying Syringes:
"Daniel Taylor
Old-thinker News
June 1, 2009
When genetically modified foods were first introduced, the biotech industry hailed tomatoes that were frost resistant and round-up ready crops. Now, there is a further development in biotech that has received little attention in the mainstream media. Serious environmental and health concerns still surround GM food safety, but new technologies are being developed to turn foods into vaccine delivery systems. While there may be positive angles to this technology, we must take into account the long term goals of the establishment, which is already invested in the research and development of edible vaccine technology.
Charles Arntzen, who served as President of the Boyce Thompson Institute, suggested using bananas as edible vaccines in developing countries.
Edible vaccines
In 1996 the Rockefeller Foundation supplied grant money for early research on edible vaccines. The $58,000 grant, given to the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research at Cornell University, was aimed at developing and transferring edible vaccine technology to developing countries. Cornell University reports, “Researchers at the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research Inc. at Cornell now will begin exchanging new vaccine information with scientists in developing countries, starting with Mexico, thanks to a new Rockefeller Foundation grant.
Gomez-Lim and his American colleagues will try to verify the value of “edible” vaccines and to begin educational efforts in Mexico to facilitate the rapid adoption of these vaccines for safe and effective use.”
Charles Arntzen, who served as President of the Boyce Thompson Institute, can be heard here explaining the use of bananas as edible vaccines in developing countries."
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Florida county goes gaga over used video games
Florida county goes gaga over used video games:
"Stephen C. Webster
Raw Story
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
For many young Americans, reselling video games to pick up the newest, latest and greatest is simply the only choice to keep up with the fast-paced, high-dollar industry (which is about to kick off a massive annual trade show in Los Angeles as I write this).
GameStop, the largest games retailer on the planet, has made billions from the trade, building an empire off the business model that one Florida county appears to now view as a haven for criminals.
From the Broward-Palm Beach New Times:
I’m in line at Gamestop the other day, breaking down and finally buying the much-hated NCAA Football ‘09, when I hear the clerk ask the guy in front of me for his fingerprints. He’s returning a game, and the clerk breaks out some kind of form. He swipes his thumb across an ink pad stuck to the counter and then puts his mark in the appropriate box.
What the deuce? “The sheriff’s office has been making us do it,” the clerk told me. “People hate it.”
Reporter Eric Barton goes on to say:
Broward County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Kayla Concepcion said the new requirement comes straight from the Florida Legislature, which enacted a law on October 1 of last year that treated video games like second-hand goods sold at pawn shops. Now any store buying used video games has to collect the thumb prints, along with a bunch of other personal info about the seller."
"Stephen C. Webster
Raw Story
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
For many young Americans, reselling video games to pick up the newest, latest and greatest is simply the only choice to keep up with the fast-paced, high-dollar industry (which is about to kick off a massive annual trade show in Los Angeles as I write this).
GameStop, the largest games retailer on the planet, has made billions from the trade, building an empire off the business model that one Florida county appears to now view as a haven for criminals.
From the Broward-Palm Beach New Times:
I’m in line at Gamestop the other day, breaking down and finally buying the much-hated NCAA Football ‘09, when I hear the clerk ask the guy in front of me for his fingerprints. He’s returning a game, and the clerk breaks out some kind of form. He swipes his thumb across an ink pad stuck to the counter and then puts his mark in the appropriate box.
What the deuce? “The sheriff’s office has been making us do it,” the clerk told me. “People hate it.”
Reporter Eric Barton goes on to say:
Broward County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Kayla Concepcion said the new requirement comes straight from the Florida Legislature, which enacted a law on October 1 of last year that treated video games like second-hand goods sold at pawn shops. Now any store buying used video games has to collect the thumb prints, along with a bunch of other personal info about the seller."
Bankers lobbied secretly to keep derivatives under Federal Reserve ‘oversight’ and away from real scrutiny
Bankers lobbied secretly to keep derivatives under Federal Reserve ‘oversight’ and away from real scrutiny:
"With demand for accountability soaring, the GAO has been given audit power over Fed’s TARP lending, even as Geithner opens 'giant loophole' for banker secrecy in derivatives clearinghouse plan
Aaron Dykes / Jones Report June 2, 2009
'The banks run the place,' Rep. Collin Peterson cried out this week. The New York Times reports that he has a bill that would specifically ban derivatives from trading in a clearinghouse regulated by the New York Federal Reserve, which Peterson blasted as 'a tool of the big banks.'
A 'tool' because the nine biggest banks in the derivatives market– including JP Morgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Citigroup and Bank of America– all met secretly to discuss how to use the lax regulation and institutional secrecy of the NY Fed to shield their credit-default swaps business from prying eyes and attempts at regulation, as the Times reports:
As the financial crisis entered one of its darkest phases in October, a handful of the nation’s largest banks began holding daily telephone sessions. Murmurs were already emanating from Washington about the need for a wide-ranging regulatory overhaul, and Wall Street executives girded for a fight.
Atop the agenda during their calls: how to counter an expected attempt to rein in credit-default swaps and other derivatives — the sophisticated and profitable financial instruments that were intended to limit risk but instead had helped take the economy to the brink of disaster."
"With demand for accountability soaring, the GAO has been given audit power over Fed’s TARP lending, even as Geithner opens 'giant loophole' for banker secrecy in derivatives clearinghouse plan
Aaron Dykes / Jones Report June 2, 2009
'The banks run the place,' Rep. Collin Peterson cried out this week. The New York Times reports that he has a bill that would specifically ban derivatives from trading in a clearinghouse regulated by the New York Federal Reserve, which Peterson blasted as 'a tool of the big banks.'
A 'tool' because the nine biggest banks in the derivatives market– including JP Morgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Citigroup and Bank of America– all met secretly to discuss how to use the lax regulation and institutional secrecy of the NY Fed to shield their credit-default swaps business from prying eyes and attempts at regulation, as the Times reports:
As the financial crisis entered one of its darkest phases in October, a handful of the nation’s largest banks began holding daily telephone sessions. Murmurs were already emanating from Washington about the need for a wide-ranging regulatory overhaul, and Wall Street executives girded for a fight.
Atop the agenda during their calls: how to counter an expected attempt to rein in credit-default swaps and other derivatives — the sophisticated and profitable financial instruments that were intended to limit risk but instead had helped take the economy to the brink of disaster."
Leading Democrats: Congress, Senate Owned And Run By Bankers
Leading Democrats: Congress, Senate Owned And Run By Bankers:
"Those who created the banking crisis are also the most powerful lobby on Capitol Hill
Steve Watson
Infowars.net
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The Democratic Chairman of the Agriculture Committee yesterday announced to the press that “The banks run the place,” in reference to the US Congress. He is the second notable elected official to speak out in recent weeks over the gross and institutionally corrupt conflict of interest on Capitol Hill.
“I will tell you what the problem is,” Collin Peterson told the New York Times, “they give three times more money than the next biggest group. It’s huge the amount of money they put into politics.”
Peterson is pushing for legislation to regulate derivatives trading. His proposed bill would limit derivatives trading to public exchanges, rather than private clearinghouses, which are managed by banks.
In this sense he directly opposes the proposal of Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, to have the transactions monitored by the New York branch of the Federal Reserve, a move also (coincidentally?) proposed by the heads of the banking industry.
Over-exposure to credit derivatives of mortgage-backed securities - or credit default swaps (CDS) was a key reason for the failure of Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch, American International Group, and Washington Mutual last year, and is at the centre of a financial black hole that is engulfing the economy".
"Those who created the banking crisis are also the most powerful lobby on Capitol Hill
Steve Watson
Infowars.net
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The Democratic Chairman of the Agriculture Committee yesterday announced to the press that “The banks run the place,” in reference to the US Congress. He is the second notable elected official to speak out in recent weeks over the gross and institutionally corrupt conflict of interest on Capitol Hill.
“I will tell you what the problem is,” Collin Peterson told the New York Times, “they give three times more money than the next biggest group. It’s huge the amount of money they put into politics.”
Peterson is pushing for legislation to regulate derivatives trading. His proposed bill would limit derivatives trading to public exchanges, rather than private clearinghouses, which are managed by banks.
In this sense he directly opposes the proposal of Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, to have the transactions monitored by the New York branch of the Federal Reserve, a move also (coincidentally?) proposed by the heads of the banking industry.
Over-exposure to credit derivatives of mortgage-backed securities - or credit default swaps (CDS) was a key reason for the failure of Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch, American International Group, and Washington Mutual last year, and is at the centre of a financial black hole that is engulfing the economy".
Tiller shooting suspect said to be 'mentally ill'
Tiller shooting suspect said to be 'mentally ill':
"The chief suspect in the murder of Wichita abortion doctor George Tiller is said to have believed in 'justifiable homicide,' allegedly suffered from mental illness and may have been convicted for criminal use of explosives while he was part of an extremist anti-government group.
Scott P. Roeder, 51, of Merriam, Kan., is accused of fatally shooting Tiller with a handgun while the late-term abortion doctor served as an usher at Reformation Lutheran Church in Wichita at 10 a.m. Sunday. Tiller's wife and daughter were also in attendance at the service.
Wichita Deputy Police Chief Tom Stolz said the shooter threatened two people who attempted to stop him. Roeder was arrested three hours after the shooting in Kansas City. Police said they did not find a weapon in his possession.
According to ABC News, a man named Roeder was charged in 1996 with criminal use of explosives after police found bomb components in the trunk of his car. The conviction was subsequently overturned when an appeals court ruled that the materials were obtained during an illegal search of his vehicle."
"The chief suspect in the murder of Wichita abortion doctor George Tiller is said to have believed in 'justifiable homicide,' allegedly suffered from mental illness and may have been convicted for criminal use of explosives while he was part of an extremist anti-government group.
Scott P. Roeder, 51, of Merriam, Kan., is accused of fatally shooting Tiller with a handgun while the late-term abortion doctor served as an usher at Reformation Lutheran Church in Wichita at 10 a.m. Sunday. Tiller's wife and daughter were also in attendance at the service.
Wichita Deputy Police Chief Tom Stolz said the shooter threatened two people who attempted to stop him. Roeder was arrested three hours after the shooting in Kansas City. Police said they did not find a weapon in his possession.
According to ABC News, a man named Roeder was charged in 1996 with criminal use of explosives after police found bomb components in the trunk of his car. The conviction was subsequently overturned when an appeals court ruled that the materials were obtained during an illegal search of his vehicle."
Monday, June 1, 2009
New ID rules begin June 1 for Mexico, Canada trips
BLAINE, Wash. (AP)—New rules requiring passports or new high-tech documents to cross the United States' northern and southern borders are taking effect Monday, as some rue the tightening of security and others hail it as long overdue.
The rules are being implemented nearly eight years after the Sept. 11 attacks and long after the 9/11 Commission recommended the changes. They were delayed by complaints from state officials who worried the restrictions would hinder the flow of people and commerce and affect border towns dependent on international crossings
In 2001 a driver's license and an oral declaration of citizenship were enough to cross the Canadian and Mexican borders; Monday's changes are the last step in a gradual ratcheting up of the rules. Now thousands of Americans are preparing by applying for passports or obtaining special driver's licenses (****National ID) that can also be used to cross the border.
"It's sad," said Steve Saltzman, a 60-year-old dual Canadian-American citizen as he entered the U.S. at the Peace Arch crossing in Blaine, Wash., on Thursday. "This was the longest undefended border in the world. Now all of the sudden it is defended, and not nearly as friendly."
Near the border crossing, local Blaine resident Mike Williams disagreed.
"This concept was past due," said Williams. "Because it's not a safe world and it's becoming more dangerous all the time."
In one Texas border community, long lines were reported at a local courthouse as people rushed to apply for the required documents. But it remains to be seen if the new requirement will cause traffic backups at points of entry and headaches for people unaware of the looming change.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials say they're confident the transition will be smooth.
"Our research indicates approximately 80 percent of the individuals coming in now, U.S. and Canadians, are compliant," and are crossing with proof of citizenship, said Thomas Winkowski, assistant commissioner for field operations at Customs and Border Protection.
The higher noncompliance areas, he said, are primarily U.S. citizens in the southern border region.
Travelers who do not comply with the new requirements will get a warning and be allowed to enter the U.S. after a background check, said Michele James, director of field operations for the northern border that covers Washington state.
"We're going to be very practical and flexible on June 1 and thereafter," James said.
The new rule, which also affects sea crossings, is the final implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, a security measure crafted from recommendations from the 9/11 Commission.
It's part of a gradual boost in security along the northern border that has featured millions of dollars in upgrades and the hiring of hundreds of more customs officers and U.S. Border Patrol agents.
Before the new rule, travelers only needed to show identification, such as a driver's license, and orally declare their citizenship. In 2008, the federal government changed that rule to require proof of citizenship, such as a birth's certificate or a passport.
Winkowski said people expected delays at points of entry in 2008 after proof of citizenship became a requirement, but no serious backlogs appeared.
He said U.S. Customs and Border Protection will continue its outreach campaign through the summer to inform Americans of the new passport requirement.
Under the new rule, travelers also can use a passport card issued by the U.S. State Department to cross land borders. The card does not work for air travel. At $45 for first-time applicants, it's a more affordable alternative to the traditional passport, which costs $100. More than 1 million passport cards have been issued since last year.
Identification documents available under the "Trusted Traveler" programs are also accepted. Those require fees ranging from $50 to more than $100. These programs, developed by the U.S, Canadian and Mexican governments, allow vetted travelers faster access to the border. In some cases, members in these programs have their own lanes at border crossings.
Enhanced driver's licenses, which use a microchip to store a person's information, also can be used to cross the northern and southern borders. Washington state, Vermont, New York, and Michigan are the only states that offer them so far. An application process and interview are required for these licenses.
There will be some exceptions. Children under 16 traveling with family, people under 19 traveling in youth groups, Native Americans and members of the military will be able to use different forms of identification. Also, travelers in cruises that depart from a U.S. port, sail only within the Western Hemisphere and return the same port do not have to comply.
The U.S. State Department said there has been no spike in passport applications because of the June 1 deadline. The increase came in 2007 when it became required to show a passport for air travel to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. That year a backlog of applications accumulated, affecting travelers nationwide.
The number of U.S. passport card applications, however, has increased as June 1 approaches, said Brenda Sprague, head of the passport division of the department's Bureau of Consular Affairs.
For states along the vast northern border, which for decades enjoyed fewer restrictions than the southern border, the changes sparked a wave of opposition when they were first proposed.
Concerns appear to have died down, however. In Washington state, for instance, the governor's office said it was pleased with the federal government's progress.
In the border town of Weslaco, Texas, Jesus Gonzalez said he crosses into Mexico about three times a month for medical needs, but he had not yet applied for any of the documents.
Asked if the new requirement would affect him, Gonzalez pointed back across the bridge toward Nuevo Progreso, Mexico: "It's going to affect them more," he said. "Businesses are going to hurt a tad bit and I feel sorry for them."
The rules are being implemented nearly eight years after the Sept. 11 attacks and long after the 9/11 Commission recommended the changes. They were delayed by complaints from state officials who worried the restrictions would hinder the flow of people and commerce and affect border towns dependent on international crossings
In 2001 a driver's license and an oral declaration of citizenship were enough to cross the Canadian and Mexican borders; Monday's changes are the last step in a gradual ratcheting up of the rules. Now thousands of Americans are preparing by applying for passports or obtaining special driver's licenses (****National ID) that can also be used to cross the border.
"It's sad," said Steve Saltzman, a 60-year-old dual Canadian-American citizen as he entered the U.S. at the Peace Arch crossing in Blaine, Wash., on Thursday. "This was the longest undefended border in the world. Now all of the sudden it is defended, and not nearly as friendly."
Near the border crossing, local Blaine resident Mike Williams disagreed.
"This concept was past due," said Williams. "Because it's not a safe world and it's becoming more dangerous all the time."
In one Texas border community, long lines were reported at a local courthouse as people rushed to apply for the required documents. But it remains to be seen if the new requirement will cause traffic backups at points of entry and headaches for people unaware of the looming change.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials say they're confident the transition will be smooth.
"Our research indicates approximately 80 percent of the individuals coming in now, U.S. and Canadians, are compliant," and are crossing with proof of citizenship, said Thomas Winkowski, assistant commissioner for field operations at Customs and Border Protection.
The higher noncompliance areas, he said, are primarily U.S. citizens in the southern border region.
Travelers who do not comply with the new requirements will get a warning and be allowed to enter the U.S. after a background check, said Michele James, director of field operations for the northern border that covers Washington state.
"We're going to be very practical and flexible on June 1 and thereafter," James said.
The new rule, which also affects sea crossings, is the final implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, a security measure crafted from recommendations from the 9/11 Commission.
It's part of a gradual boost in security along the northern border that has featured millions of dollars in upgrades and the hiring of hundreds of more customs officers and U.S. Border Patrol agents.
Before the new rule, travelers only needed to show identification, such as a driver's license, and orally declare their citizenship. In 2008, the federal government changed that rule to require proof of citizenship, such as a birth's certificate or a passport.
Winkowski said people expected delays at points of entry in 2008 after proof of citizenship became a requirement, but no serious backlogs appeared.
He said U.S. Customs and Border Protection will continue its outreach campaign through the summer to inform Americans of the new passport requirement.
Under the new rule, travelers also can use a passport card issued by the U.S. State Department to cross land borders. The card does not work for air travel. At $45 for first-time applicants, it's a more affordable alternative to the traditional passport, which costs $100. More than 1 million passport cards have been issued since last year.
Identification documents available under the "Trusted Traveler" programs are also accepted. Those require fees ranging from $50 to more than $100. These programs, developed by the U.S, Canadian and Mexican governments, allow vetted travelers faster access to the border. In some cases, members in these programs have their own lanes at border crossings.
Enhanced driver's licenses, which use a microchip to store a person's information, also can be used to cross the northern and southern borders. Washington state, Vermont, New York, and Michigan are the only states that offer them so far. An application process and interview are required for these licenses.
There will be some exceptions. Children under 16 traveling with family, people under 19 traveling in youth groups, Native Americans and members of the military will be able to use different forms of identification. Also, travelers in cruises that depart from a U.S. port, sail only within the Western Hemisphere and return the same port do not have to comply.
The U.S. State Department said there has been no spike in passport applications because of the June 1 deadline. The increase came in 2007 when it became required to show a passport for air travel to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. That year a backlog of applications accumulated, affecting travelers nationwide.
The number of U.S. passport card applications, however, has increased as June 1 approaches, said Brenda Sprague, head of the passport division of the department's Bureau of Consular Affairs.
For states along the vast northern border, which for decades enjoyed fewer restrictions than the southern border, the changes sparked a wave of opposition when they were first proposed.
Concerns appear to have died down, however. In Washington state, for instance, the governor's office said it was pleased with the federal government's progress.
In the border town of Weslaco, Texas, Jesus Gonzalez said he crosses into Mexico about three times a month for medical needs, but he had not yet applied for any of the documents.
Asked if the new requirement would affect him, Gonzalez pointed back across the bridge toward Nuevo Progreso, Mexico: "It's going to affect them more," he said. "Businesses are going to hurt a tad bit and I feel sorry for them."
Pakistani army lifts curfews in more Swat towns - Yahoo! News
Pakistani army lifts curfews in more Swat towns - Yahoo! News:
"MIRAN SHAH, Pakistan – Suspected militants armed with rockets, grenades and automatic weapons abducted some 400 students, staff and relatives driving away from a boy's school in a troubled tribal region in northwest Pakistan on Monday, police and a witness said.
The brazen abduction came amid rising militant violence in Pakistan's tribal belt — actions the military says are aimed at distracting it from its offensive against the Taliban in the nearby Swat Valley.
Details were still emerging Monday about the nature of the attack. No group immediately claimed responsibility.
Police official Meer Sardar said the abduction occurred about 20 miles (30 kilometers) from Razmak Cadet College in North Waziristan tribal area. The people were leaving the school area after they were warned to get out in a phone call from a man they believed to be a political official, Sardar said, citing accounts from a group of 17 who managed to get away.
Around 30 buses, cars and other vehicles were carrying the students, staff and others when they were stopped along the road by a large group of alleged militants in their own vehicles."
"MIRAN SHAH, Pakistan – Suspected militants armed with rockets, grenades and automatic weapons abducted some 400 students, staff and relatives driving away from a boy's school in a troubled tribal region in northwest Pakistan on Monday, police and a witness said.
The brazen abduction came amid rising militant violence in Pakistan's tribal belt — actions the military says are aimed at distracting it from its offensive against the Taliban in the nearby Swat Valley.
Details were still emerging Monday about the nature of the attack. No group immediately claimed responsibility.
Police official Meer Sardar said the abduction occurred about 20 miles (30 kilometers) from Razmak Cadet College in North Waziristan tribal area. The people were leaving the school area after they were warned to get out in a phone call from a man they believed to be a political official, Sardar said, citing accounts from a group of 17 who managed to get away.
Around 30 buses, cars and other vehicles were carrying the students, staff and others when they were stopped along the road by a large group of alleged militants in their own vehicles."
Mysterious ‘chip’ is CIA’s latest weapon against al-Qaida targets hiding in Pakistan’s tribal belt
Mysterious ‘chip’ is CIA’s latest weapon against al-Qaida targets hiding in Pakistan’s tribal belt:
"Mysterious ‘chip’ is CIA’s latest weapon against al-Qaida targets hiding in Pakistan’s tribal belt
Declan Walsh
London Guardian
Monday, June 1, 2009
The CIA is equipping Pakistani tribesmen with secret electronic transmitters to help target and kill al-Qaida leaders in the north-western tribal belt, in a tactic that could aid Pakistan’s army as it takes the battle against extremism to the Taliban heartland.
As the army mops up Taliban resistance in the Swat valley, where a defence official predicted fighting would be over within days, the focus is shifting to Waziristan and the Taliban warlord Baitullah Mehsud.
But a deadly war of wits is already under way in the region, where tribesmen say the US is using advanced technology and old-fashioned cash to target the enemy.
Over the last 18 months the US has launched more than 50 drone attacks, mostly in south and north Waziristan. US officials claim nine of the top 20 al-Qaida figures have been killed."
"Mysterious ‘chip’ is CIA’s latest weapon against al-Qaida targets hiding in Pakistan’s tribal belt
Declan Walsh
London Guardian
Monday, June 1, 2009
The CIA is equipping Pakistani tribesmen with secret electronic transmitters to help target and kill al-Qaida leaders in the north-western tribal belt, in a tactic that could aid Pakistan’s army as it takes the battle against extremism to the Taliban heartland.
As the army mops up Taliban resistance in the Swat valley, where a defence official predicted fighting would be over within days, the focus is shifting to Waziristan and the Taliban warlord Baitullah Mehsud.
But a deadly war of wits is already under way in the region, where tribesmen say the US is using advanced technology and old-fashioned cash to target the enemy.
Over the last 18 months the US has launched more than 50 drone attacks, mostly in south and north Waziristan. US officials claim nine of the top 20 al-Qaida figures have been killed."
Demand: Root out pro-life 'terrorists'
Demand: Root out pro-life 'terrorists'
'Bringing killer to justice not enough' claims group calling for DHS action
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: May 31, 2009
11:04 pm Eastern
By Drew Zahn
© 2009 WorldNetDaily
NOW President Kim Gandy
The murder of late-term abortionist George Tiller in Kansas has prompted a call upon the Department of Homeland Security to crack down on pro-lifers as just the kinds of "right-wing extremists" that the government identified earlier in a controversial report that sparked outrage across the country.
As WND reported, the DHS report defined Americans dedicated to typically conservative causes, such as gun rights, immigration enforcement and illegalizing abortion, as "extremists" that might carry out terrorist acts.
Now, the National Organization for Women, citing "a string of murders in the service of the anti-abortion cause" and referring to the Tiller murder, released the following statement:
"Bringing the killers to justice is not enough – the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security must root out and prosecute as domestic terrorists and violent racketeers the criminal enterprise that has organized and funded criminal acts for decades," said the statement, attributed to NOW President Kim Gandy. "We call on the new attorney general, Eric Holder, and head of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano to treat these murders in the same way they would treat politically-motivated domestic terrorism of any other kind and put the full resources of their two departments behind that effort."
"It is abhorrent that once again, individuals who oppose the right to choose have used violence to try to advance their extreme anti-choice agenda," said Vicki Saporta, president and CEO of the National Abortion Federation, in a statement.
"People have a right to disagree about abortion," said a statement from Michael B. Keegan, president of People for the American Way, "but it's impossible to separate today's tragedy from the violent language that has been directed for years at doctors like George Tiller."
Columnist Mike Hendricks on a Kansas City Star website writes, "The motive for the crime we can all surmise in light of the vitriolic campaign that has been waged against Tiller for more than two decades by anti-abortion groups."
Hendricks further lists as "accomplices" to Tiller's murder "everyone who has ever called Tiller's late term abortion clinic a murder mill ... the groups who spent decades fomenting hate toward a man who simply believed that he was serving a purpose by being one of the few doctors in the country performing late-term abortions. Hate. Not heated opposition. Not strong disagreement. But blind hatred. The kind of hate that would prompt some maniac to take a gun into a church and shoot a man to death in front of friends and family."
Several pro-life groups, however, immediately condemned the murder as counter to their cause.
"We are shocked at this morning's disturbing news that Mr. Tiller was gunned down," said a statement on the website of Wichita-based Operation Rescue. "Operation Rescue has worked for years through peaceful, legal means, and through the proper channels to see him brought to justice. We denounce vigilantism and the cowardly act that took place this morning. We pray for Mr. Tiller's family that they will find comfort and healing that can only be found in Jesus Christ."
Kansans for Life joined the condemnation, telling LifeNews.com that it "deplores the murder of Dr. George Tiller."
"Our organization has a board of directors and a 35-year history of bringing citizens together to achieve thoughtful education and legislation on the life issues here in Kansas," said Mary Kay Culp, director of Kansans for Life. "We value life, completely deplore violence and are shocked and very upset by what happened in Wichita today."
Nonetheless, pro-life groups have been criticized even for their condemnation.
Kansas City Star editorial page columnist Yael T. Abouhalkah writes, "The outspoken leaders of anti-abortion groups can save their feeble 'we're shocked and saddened' statements. They are privately pleased at George Tiller's murder on Sunday."
"His accomplices know they have blood on their hands," continued Hendricks, "which might explain why they were quick to issue statements today expressing disapproval of Tiller's murder."
Among the many pro-life voices condemning the murder, a statement from the Kansas Coalition for Life specifically addressed the association drawn between the pro-life movement as a whole and Tiller's murderer.
"Although at the time of this writing, it is not known who killed Abortionist Tiller, we do know for certain that this crime was not the work of any true pro-life person," the statement reads. "A true pro-life person respects human life as a gift from God and leaves all life and death decisions to God himself."
The statement continues, "The Kansas Coalition for Life asks all reporters and commentators to make a clear distinction between lawless thugs who act on their own accord and the good pro-life people who obey the law, seeking a change in abortion laws via peaceful means and the legislative process.
"It is completely misleading," the statement concludes, "for the media to imply, in any way that this is the work of the pro-life movement. We urge the media to report responsibly and truthfully in this regard."
As WND reported, Tiller was shot and killed as he walked into his Wichita, Kan., church to attend Sunday services.
Tiller was a controversial figure in the abortion debate, accused on 19 counts of illegally aborting viable babies in violation of a state law that requires a second physician – without legal or financial ties to the abortionist – sign off on the procedure once the unborn child reaches a state in which it could survive outside the womb.
Tiller was acquitted of the charges in March but still faced potential disciplinary measures from the Kansas Board of Healing Arts.
'Bringing killer to justice not enough' claims group calling for DHS action
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: May 31, 2009
11:04 pm Eastern
By Drew Zahn
© 2009 WorldNetDaily
NOW President Kim Gandy
The murder of late-term abortionist George Tiller in Kansas has prompted a call upon the Department of Homeland Security to crack down on pro-lifers as just the kinds of "right-wing extremists" that the government identified earlier in a controversial report that sparked outrage across the country.
As WND reported, the DHS report defined Americans dedicated to typically conservative causes, such as gun rights, immigration enforcement and illegalizing abortion, as "extremists" that might carry out terrorist acts.
Now, the National Organization for Women, citing "a string of murders in the service of the anti-abortion cause" and referring to the Tiller murder, released the following statement:
"Bringing the killers to justice is not enough – the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security must root out and prosecute as domestic terrorists and violent racketeers the criminal enterprise that has organized and funded criminal acts for decades," said the statement, attributed to NOW President Kim Gandy. "We call on the new attorney general, Eric Holder, and head of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano to treat these murders in the same way they would treat politically-motivated domestic terrorism of any other kind and put the full resources of their two departments behind that effort."
"It is abhorrent that once again, individuals who oppose the right to choose have used violence to try to advance their extreme anti-choice agenda," said Vicki Saporta, president and CEO of the National Abortion Federation, in a statement.
"People have a right to disagree about abortion," said a statement from Michael B. Keegan, president of People for the American Way, "but it's impossible to separate today's tragedy from the violent language that has been directed for years at doctors like George Tiller."
Columnist Mike Hendricks on a Kansas City Star website writes, "The motive for the crime we can all surmise in light of the vitriolic campaign that has been waged against Tiller for more than two decades by anti-abortion groups."
Hendricks further lists as "accomplices" to Tiller's murder "everyone who has ever called Tiller's late term abortion clinic a murder mill ... the groups who spent decades fomenting hate toward a man who simply believed that he was serving a purpose by being one of the few doctors in the country performing late-term abortions. Hate. Not heated opposition. Not strong disagreement. But blind hatred. The kind of hate that would prompt some maniac to take a gun into a church and shoot a man to death in front of friends and family."
Several pro-life groups, however, immediately condemned the murder as counter to their cause.
"We are shocked at this morning's disturbing news that Mr. Tiller was gunned down," said a statement on the website of Wichita-based Operation Rescue. "Operation Rescue has worked for years through peaceful, legal means, and through the proper channels to see him brought to justice. We denounce vigilantism and the cowardly act that took place this morning. We pray for Mr. Tiller's family that they will find comfort and healing that can only be found in Jesus Christ."
Kansans for Life joined the condemnation, telling LifeNews.com that it "deplores the murder of Dr. George Tiller."
"Our organization has a board of directors and a 35-year history of bringing citizens together to achieve thoughtful education and legislation on the life issues here in Kansas," said Mary Kay Culp, director of Kansans for Life. "We value life, completely deplore violence and are shocked and very upset by what happened in Wichita today."
Nonetheless, pro-life groups have been criticized even for their condemnation.
Kansas City Star editorial page columnist Yael T. Abouhalkah writes, "The outspoken leaders of anti-abortion groups can save their feeble 'we're shocked and saddened' statements. They are privately pleased at George Tiller's murder on Sunday."
"His accomplices know they have blood on their hands," continued Hendricks, "which might explain why they were quick to issue statements today expressing disapproval of Tiller's murder."
Among the many pro-life voices condemning the murder, a statement from the Kansas Coalition for Life specifically addressed the association drawn between the pro-life movement as a whole and Tiller's murderer.
"Although at the time of this writing, it is not known who killed Abortionist Tiller, we do know for certain that this crime was not the work of any true pro-life person," the statement reads. "A true pro-life person respects human life as a gift from God and leaves all life and death decisions to God himself."
The statement continues, "The Kansas Coalition for Life asks all reporters and commentators to make a clear distinction between lawless thugs who act on their own accord and the good pro-life people who obey the law, seeking a change in abortion laws via peaceful means and the legislative process.
"It is completely misleading," the statement concludes, "for the media to imply, in any way that this is the work of the pro-life movement. We urge the media to report responsibly and truthfully in this regard."
As WND reported, Tiller was shot and killed as he walked into his Wichita, Kan., church to attend Sunday services.
Tiller was a controversial figure in the abortion debate, accused on 19 counts of illegally aborting viable babies in violation of a state law that requires a second physician – without legal or financial ties to the abortionist – sign off on the procedure once the unborn child reaches a state in which it could survive outside the womb.
Tiller was acquitted of the charges in March but still faced potential disciplinary measures from the Kansas Board of Healing Arts.
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